Editor's Note

Youth Employment Scotland Fund

The Youth Employment Scotland Fund (
YESF),
introduced in April 2013, moved forward the Scottish Government's
commitment to help unemployed 16-29 year olds into work.
YESF was
established to create up to 10,000 job opportunities for young
people. The programme was available for jobs starts from 1 April
2013 to 30 June 2015.

The programme, which was delivered by Local Authorities,
provided financial support to employers for at least 26 weeks which
covered a minimum of half the salary costs at the National Minimum
Wage.

Initially the programme was jointly funded by Scottish
Government and the European Social Fund. However in Spring 2016 the
Scottish Government replaced the European Social Fund element with
Scottish Government funding.

This evaluation report was completed prior to the decision to
replace the European Social Fund element of the funding. Where it
is noted that funding was provided by the European Social Fund this
has now been replaced by Scottish Government funding.

The report was prepared by ekosgen who conducted the underlying
research on behalf of the Scottish Government.